SIC Board approves SICEA contract, personnel changes
The Southeastern Illinois College Board of Trustees met July 15 to review financial reports, approve new contracts and finalize personnel appointments as the college prepares for the 2025—2026 academic year.
Highlights of the meeting included a review of a Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings report confirming the college’s A+ rating, which board members noted as an affirmation of SIC’s sound fiscal management and stability.
“This A+ rating from S & P underscores our commitment to responsible stewardship and the trust our community places in us,” Board Chair Debbie Hughes said. “We will continue to prioritize transparency and accountability in every decision.”
Board members also received a reminder about the upcoming Stanford D. Williams Career & Training Center Grand Opening scheduled for Aug. 5 at noon. Details of the event will be shared with the public as plans are finalized.
Additionally, the board reviewed Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) fiscal year 2026 budget allocation projections with a four percent increase in state funding for community colleges.
The board approved a new three-year contract with the Southeastern Illinois College Education Association (SICEA), effective from 2025 through 2028. The agreement was the result of collaborative negotiations focused on supporting faculty while ensuring sustainable operations.
“We are grateful to our faculty for their dedication, and we appreciate the collaborative spirit in these negotiations,” SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss said. “This agreement helps us plan confidently for the future while meeting the needs of our students.”
Personnel items approved at the meeting included Casey Buretz as cosmetology instructor, Tammy Schneider as part-time Falcon PRIDE instructor, Alyssa Oglesby as full-time nursing instructor, Lauren Hancock as full-time CNA coordinator and instructor, and Brooklyn Hernandez as part-time food service assistant. All were approved unanimously.
The next meeting of the SIC Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19 in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room on the Harrisburg campus.